TREE TRADE-OFFS IN STREAM RESTORATION: IMPACTS ON RIPARIAN GROUNDWATER QUALITY

Abstract

Restoring urban degraded stream channels in efforts to improve water quality often includes substantial alteration of the riparian zone which can require the removal of mature trees. This study assessed the impact of tree removal on riparian groundwater quality over time and space using a chronosequence of restored sites ages 5-20 years and well transects along groundwater flow paths. The response of multiple elements through various hydrologic conditions was evaluated by monitoring dissolved concentrations of inorganic carbon, organic carbon, total nitrogen, boron, calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, and sulfur over a 2-year period. Results revealed that concentrations of most bioreactive and organically derived elements were significantly elevated and increase along flowpaths at recently restored sites.